Parker, CO Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Parker Municipal Code Section 9.06.090 makes it unlawful to own, keep or possess any dog or cat over six months old that has not been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian, and requires every owner to keep documentation from that veterinarian proving the surgery was done. The Section carves out three exceptions. A long-term medical exemption applies when a veterinarian determines the animal is medically unsuited for the surgery and signs a statement naming the medical grounds. A temporary medical exemption covers an animal with a short-term condition preventing the surgery; the veterinarian's statement must name a date after which the surgery becomes required again, and the exemption expires automatically on that date.

A transitory status exemption lets an owner keep an intact animal over six months old in Parker for no more than thirty days for breeding purposes or while visiting, provided the owner can produce a veterinarian's health certificate for the animal. Enforcement runs through the Animal Welfare Officer, who can issue a penalty-assessment ticket under the fine schedule in Section 9.07.010(b)(12): $100 for a first violation and $200 for a second violation within a twelve-month period, without referring the case to Municipal Court. The spay/neuter duty resurfaces with teeth in the dangerous-dog provisions: under Section 9.07.020(d)(3), a court that finds a dog, cat or other animal dangerous can order the owner to have it spayed or neutered and to file proof with the court, on top of any other conditions the judge imposes.